Last Weekend...

It's always good to meet up with another Dravet family...and Saturday we were able to do just that!

Our good Michigan friends that we met at the Dravet Syndrome Conference last year came to Utah to visit family.

The nice man who agreed to take our picture must have had a slightly unsteady hand...bless his heart :)

We met them in Salt Lake at the City Creek Mall and had a play date :)

It was the first time we had met each others' children.

They have four adorable boys.

Their little Armando is so precious...even if it does look like he's whacking me in the face.  Ha!

Ben threw a royal fit when he couldn't have the food on our trays.  That hasn't been a problem for so long that I guess we have become careless around him.  While he sat there and screamed, Armando sat content and quiet.  Armando doesn't talk or sign...doesn't communicate beyond the level of about a six month old.

Our friends said that it can be a blessing and a curse.  He doesn't really throw tantrums like Ben was demonstrating so beautifully, but oh, how they wish he could express even his basic needs/wants.

The kids played on the dinosaurs for a while.  Our friends' oldest son took care of Ben so sweetly while we parents talked, questioned each other and advised.

As we were close to parting ways, Armando's dad, extremely sincerely, said, "You guys are so blessed!" (referring to how well Ben is doing developmentally).

I got emotional as I agreed with him and thanked him and expressed my hope that some day Armando will be able to do just as well.

They really are a sweet, wonderful family and we are so glad we know them and were able to see them again.

Afterward, our family did a little shopping around.

 

{looking at the fish}

  Abby and I found lots of fun stores (we made sure we found Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory!)

 We bought a Tiger Butter (white chocolate and peanut butter with a milk chocolate swirl) caramel apple for Andy's dad's birthday.

Then we drove 30 more minutes and arrived at Andy's parents' home and spent the rest of the weekend with them.

Monday was Merill's birthday.

He graciously took us all to see Monsters University.

I have to admit, I laughed pretty hard at some scenes.  That's one I wouldn't mind seeing again :)

 We hadn't been to a theater with Ben in a long time.  I was interested to see how it would go.  At first he was so good.  He sat in his own seat and drank from his cup that I kept putting little sips of water in for him.  He bobbed to the music and smiled and laughed.  I thought, "this is going to be great!"  Well, that lasted through the previews and not much longer before he started to get restless and wanted to climb over the railing.  Nancy came to the rescue and took him out for most of the movie.  Bless you Nancy!

 

Afterwards, we went and had lunch at Zupas.  I love that place!  We need one in our little town :)

Once again, Ben saw our food and wanted it.  We did our best to distract him and Andy and I were both, eventually, able to eat.

 This is Josh (actually it was when we were leaving home, but let's pretend it's on the way home) who never sleeps in the car :)

It was a pleasant weekend and now we're gearing up for another fun filled family fest this weekend!

Happy 4th Everyone!